Friday 26/12/2025
Acts 7: 51 – end
Reflecting on the account of Stephen in Acts 7:51–8:1, we are confronted by the remarkable courage and steadfast faith he displayed in the face of overwhelming opposition. Stephen’s words, though challenging and direct, were spoken with a deep conviction and a desire for his hearers to recognise the truth. Even as he was surrounded by hostility, his focus remained fixed on God, and his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God offered him strength and comfort in his final moments. What stands out most is Stephen’s extraordinary ability to forgive. As he was being stoned, he echoed the words of Jesus, praying for his persecutors rather than cursing them. This selfless act of forgiveness challenges us to examine our reactions to adversity.
The Revd. Jacqueline Shalloe
